South Carolina CDL — General Knowledge practice
South Carolina CDL — General Knowledge: Penalties & Licensing practice test
The point system, license suspension, provisional-license rules, insurance requirements, and other licensing basics.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. If a driver racks up three or more serious violations in a CMV over three years, how long is the CDL lost?
Correct answer: At least 120 days
Three or more serious violations within three years bring a disqualification of at least 120 days.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)
2. For a first offense of driving a CMV with a BAC of .04 percent or higher, how long will you lose your CDL?
Correct answer: At least one year
A first alcohol-related offense costs you your CDL for at least one year.
3. How long will you lose your CDL if a first alcohol offense happens while you are driving a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials?
Correct answer: At least three years
If the offense occurs while operating a placarded hazmat vehicle, the disqualification is at least three years.
4. How long must you hold an original commercial learner's permit before you can take the skills test?
Correct answer: At least 14 days
You have to keep a first-issued commercial learner's permit for a minimum of 14 days before qualifying to attempt the CDL skills exam.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Licensing Procedures (Commercial Learner's Permits)
5. How long will a driver lose the CDL for a first out-of-service order violation?
Correct answer: At least 90 days
A first out-of-service order violation costs you your CDL for at least 90 days.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Violation of Out-of-Service Orders)
6. How often does a South Carolina CDL expire if the driver does not hold a hazmat endorsement?
Correct answer: Every 8 years
A CDL without a hazmat endorsement expires every 8 years from the date it was issued.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Licensing Procedures (Expiration of License)
7. How long will you lose your CDL for committing two serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period?
Correct answer: At least 60 days
Two serious traffic violations within three years cost you your CDL for at least 60 days.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)
8. What can happen if you are caught holding more than one driver license?
Correct answer: A court fine up to $5,000 or jail
Holding more than one license can bring a court fine of up to $5,000 or jail, and the extra licenses can be taken away.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)
9. What score must you achieve to pass a CDL knowledge test?
Correct answer: 80 percent or higher
The written or oral knowledge test is passed with a score of 80 percent or higher.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Licensing Procedures (Knowledge Examinations)
10. How is a Class B vehicle described in the license classifications?
Correct answer: A single heavy vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more
Class B covers a single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another not over 10,000 pounds.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)
11. What is the consequence of a second major alcohol or drug offense involving a CMV?
Correct answer: Loss of the CDL for life
A second such offense results in losing your CDL for life.
12. Which vehicles fall under Class A of the commercial license classification?
Correct answer: Combinations rated 26,001 pounds or more towing over 10,000 pounds
Class A covers combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed unit's rating is over 10,000 pounds.
Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)
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Every South Carolina question is written from the official South Carolina driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free